Darwin Nunez is currently in negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, according to local sources, following a personal request from their new head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Nunez had previously been a top target for Serie A side Napoli, but a potential deal collapsed due to a significant gap in valuations between Liverpool and the Italian champions.
Napoli subsequently signed Italy international Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese, leaving Saudi Arabia as Nunez’s most likely destination.
While Liverpool rejected offers from the Middle East in January, the situation appears to have changed this summer.
The Reds are open to selling after signing Hugo Ekitike and with ambitious plans to pursue Alexander Isak.
Saudi newspaper Al Riyadh reports that Inzaghi has instructed club officials to prioritise signing Nunez, and talks are underway.
Isak is also a target for Al-Hilal, but with the Swedish striker expected to remain in Europe – possibly joining Liverpool in a record-breaking transfer – Nunez has become their main focus.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that “internal talks [are] taking place over whether to approach Liverpool,” with Al-Hilal aware of Liverpool’s asking price.
Liverpool are seeking at least €70million (£61m), possibly rising to €80million (£70m), informed by a January bid from Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Nunez has travelled with Arne Slot’s squad on their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan and could feature against AC Milan on Saturday.
However, any transfer progress is expected either before the squad’s departure to Japan or, more realistically, after Liverpool’s return to the UK later this month.
His recent goal-scoring form in pre-season friendlies – including one goal against Preston and a hat-trick against Stoke – might fuel hopes that Nunez can still establish himself as a top striker for Liverpool.
However, this appears unlikely given his struggle for consistency over three seasons since his £85million move from Benfica in 2022.
Liverpool have already signed Ekitike – a proven talent with vast potential – for £79million, and they are prepared to pay upwards of £120million for Isak, who has expressed his desire to leave Newcastle.
This leaves little room for Nunez, who cannot be considered a third-choice striker given his transfer fee and status.
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